Surprise find shocks residents of a NSW town

Residents of a NSW town got an unexpected blast from the past when they discovered this secret time capsule hidden underneath a library.

A surprise third time capsule was found. Picture: Tweed Heads Council

Residents of a New South Wales town have made a shocking discovery dating back to the 70s, triggering a wave of excitement and nostalgia.

A small, hidden time capsule was unearthed in Tweed Heads on NSW’s far north coast, placed there by construction workers on October 30, 1973 — a surprise find for council staff.

The wax-sealed glass jar was found along with two other official time capsules — large metal barrels containing 50-year-old messages and letters from the past.

The time capsules were sealed away for 50 years. Picture: Garry Smith

The time capsule ceremony in 1973. Picture: Garry Smith

One of the barrels was placed by Tweed Shire Council and another came from the Murwillumbah branch of community service organisation, Apex.

The time capsules were buried beneath Murwillumbah library and were available for public viewing before they were dug up.

Unfortunately the time capsules have not withstood the test of time, as mould and condensation have left a visible mark on the historic contents.

The capsules were available for viewing before being dug up. Picture: Tweed Heads Council

The three capsules were originally found buried in the ground with no protection from the elements.

“Sadly, initial concerns for the conditions of the contents were warranted,” Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said.

The seal on one of the time capsules had failed when it was buried, leaving memoirs and relics exposed to the elements beneath the ground.

The council’s capsule contained newspapers, council papers, a small number of photographs and several sealed envelopes.

The second time capsule placed by Apex included messages and memoirs in specially printed envelopes from the NSW Governor, the Tweed Shire President, other local dignitaries and the community.

The surprise third capsule – the workers’ glass jar – contained papers and letters.

The damages vary — some documents have disintegrated completely, some have been visibly damaged by water and others covered in active mould.

Mould has destroyed several historic documents. Picture: Tweed Heads Council

“Due to the penetration of the materials by water and mould, many items are unidentifiable, disintegrated, or stuck together in a sodden clump,” Ms Cherry said.

Flooding over the years is suspected to have contributed to much of the damage, as a major flood in 1974 inundated the library site, followed by more floods in 1989, 2001, 2008, 2017 and 2022.

The time capsules were supposed to be opened at a public ceremony, but public health concerns were raised due to mould spores.

Former Apex member Garry Smith said it was disappointing the time capsule had been compromised, however community members would still have an opportunity to view the items.

The capsules were opened by historic specialists. Picture: Tweed Heads Council

Some items have been left intact. Picture: Tweed Heads Council

“We were so looking forward to an opening ceremony where we could all view and celebrate this moment in Murwillumbah’s history,” Mr Smith said.

“But, unfortunately the capsule did not stand the test of time and succumbed to the elements.”

The time capsules were instead opened in a controlled environment by qualified staff, who evaluated the state and preservation of the time capsule contents.

All items were carefully removed and transferred to a plastic sheeting in the sun to assess and neutralise the active mould.

The remaining two capsules’ contents, which were less affected by moisture and mould, were laid on a table to dry.

Descendants of a well-known local person collect their relics. Picture: Tweed heads Council

Cr Cherry, the mayor, said they were working to identify as many items as possible.

“It is really important the community has an opportunity to be part of this process,” she said.

“Many members of the community have memories or family connections to the time capsules and we want to reunite owners or descendants with what is theirs.”

Residents are invited to come forward and register their interest in claiming any items that can be recovered and identified.

One family has already receive a letter from their famous ancestor — councillor Clarrie Hall, after whom the Tweed Head’s main dam was named.